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Spots and Stripes and Sunscreen!

With the weather warming up, it’s really important to talk about sun care and how to protect your body when you decide to venture outdoors. I didn’t realize the long term damage that I was doing to my own body over almost two decades of “bronzing” in the sun. Growing up, I spent 90% of my time outside and putting on sunscreen was the fartherest thing from the top of my priorities. Now that I am almost 30, (whoa how did that happen?) I can see the damage that I’ve caused. Extremely dry skin, sun spots, wrinkles and moles are a few of the things that stare back at me from my bathroom mirror. Anytime the kids and I head outside, we lather down with safe sunscreen. What exactly is “safe” sunscreen you might ask?

Did you know that most well known sunscreens harbor tons of toxic ingredients? Vitamin A, otherwise known as Retinol Palmitate, can speed the development of skin tumors when exposed to sunlight, and Oxybenzone is an allergen. These two ingredients are in most sunscreens and can cause you years of damage if you use them. Think that you should skip the goop and use a spray? Think again! Spray sunscreens release nano-particles into the air which can then be inhaled. Some studies indicate that nanoparticles can harm living cells and organs when administered in large doses. What’s a nano-particle? Nanoparticles in American sunscreens are either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

It’s also important to know exactly what you need to protect yourself from the moment you step outside. An effective sunscreen must have a Broad Spectrum claim. Broad Spectrum is the statement that ensures defense against UVA, aging rays and UVB, burning rays. UVB are the rays that lead to sunburn. On average, five sunburns at any age doubles one’s risk for melanoma. UVA = Aging sun rays. While UVA is almost undetectable because these rays do not change the color of the skin, they do penetrate deeper into the dermis of the skin, where they cause free-radical damage that leads to skin aging. UVA rays are equally intense no matter the season, AND they penetrate clouds and glass. Now, I’m going to share one that most people have never even heard of. Blue light. One ray that is becoming top of mind as we spend more and more time in front of computers, smart phones and tablets is Blue Light. Blue Light is a trendy topic in the technology realm, but, Blue Light is actually everywhere. When outside, light from the sun travels through the atmosphere. The shorter, high energy blue wavelengths that make up Blue Light, collide with the air molecules, causing blue light to scatter. This is in fact what makes the sky look blue. Its skin-aging effects can potentially be as much of a concern as those caused by UVA & UVB. The latest research suggests it may damage skin proteins and lipids. When these are damaged, signs of age like loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are possible.

For this reason, I have found that the BeautycounterCountersun collection is the best option for my family. Beautycounter uses a physical sunscreen, which is also known as mineral or inorganic sunscreens. Specifically, we formulate with non-nano zinc oxide, that works by reflecting and bouncing UV rays. A nano-particle is the technical name for a speck. These
particles are so miniscule that one strand of human hair is about 80,000 nanometers thick. Many sunscreens contain nanoparticle-sized sun filters which could have adverse health effects. Studies suggest their microscopic size is small enough to get past skin’s defenses and soak into the bloodstream. Beautycounter uses non-nanoparticle zinc oxide in our current sunscreen formulas to prevent any potential health risks.

Studies show that most people don’t use enough sunscreen or reapply frequently enough which is how unwanted burns can occur. Beautycounter recommends that you apply SPF liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and at least every two hours. Remember, sun protection is generally only as effective as the application quality and quantity. So, a few tips when applying sunscreen lotion. A proper amount is 1oz for an adult full-body application. 1oz is about the size of a shot glass. Our formulas also go on white to help guide application, making it easier for you to help be protected. Even when you can’t see the sun, UVA/UVB rays are still there. In fact, UVA rays, the ones responsible for aging, can reach your skin through clouds, smog and glass. It’s important to create a healthy habit and apply sunscreen daily, no matter what the weather report says, to ensure you’re protected.

One thing that I am super excited about that launched is the new spray sunscreen. Our Mineral Sunscreen Mist is a really neat innovation that delivers the convenience and even application of an aerosol but it is actually air-powered. We’ve used what’s called a bag-on-valve actuator system. Inside this can, there is a bag that holds formula. Surrounding the bag is compressed air. When you push on the nozzle, the air further compresses, squeezing the bag and ultimately dispensing the sunscreen formulation. Voila. Air powered. And no harmful propellant chemicals sent into the atmosphere or onto your skin.

I love this new spray sunscreen SO MUCH that I’ve decided to gift one to one of my Beautycounter customers this month! All you have to do is sign up for Band of Beauty. What is Band of Beauty? It’s a membership loyalty program by Beautycounter. It’s a one time annual fee of $29. At the time that you sign up, if you make a purchase of at least $50 you will receive one of my favorite products the Lemongrass Sugar Scrub for FREE. With all purchases over $100 you receive free shipping and with EVERY purchase you’ll get 15% back in the form of a product credit. Sounds great, right? You’ll also gain one entry into my drawing to win the new spray sunscreen by Beautycounter. If you’re already one of my Band of Beauty members and make a purchase of $100 or more from my website this month, you’re automatically entered to win as well. Please send me your order confirmations and feel free to reach out with any questions you might have.